Diet tips for megacolon and dolichocolon

The different shapes of the colon or large intestine can make intestinal transit difficult.

When the colon is abnormally longreceives the name of dolicocolon. If it is wideris called megacolon. In some people both characteristics are combined, in the so-called dolicomegacolon.

These anomalies favor a greater volume of feces accumulates and facilitates fermentation and putrefaction.

Those who have them may feel that many foods do not agree with themand that they must have dinner very early to that digestion does not get in the way of rest.

If in addition to them there are other dietary particularities, such as intolerances to certain foods; or if they simply stop taking foods that are indigestible, they may worry that their diet does not provide them with enough nutrients.

However, with the right diet you can achieve a perfectly nutritious diet, regulate intestinal transit and avoid discomfort caused by fermentation such as gas or abdominal pain.

Is dolichomegacolon the same as irritable bowel syndrome?

there is usually a correlationalthough it is not necessary.

The irritable colon can be a consequence of the above or be induced by intolerance to nutrients (the most common are lactose
and gluten).

It can also be a consequence of regular use of medications (antibiotics, iron tablets…) or laxatives.

In addition, it is often mentioned basic emotional component that can trigger crises.

What diet to follow in case of dolichomegacolon?

Should be avoiding refined or low-fiber foods like meatsince they do not stimulate intestinal peristalsis.

These foods are not essential, so stopping them does not imply that the diet is deficient. Replacing them with vegetables or unrefined cereals will help consume higher amounts of fiberwhich will facilitate transit.

In case dolichomegacolon is combined at the same time with irritable bowel syndromeshould be taken into account, so that the diet guarantees the softness that intestinal inflammation requires.

The solution is to increase the intake of foods with soluble fiber such as apple pectin or other fruits, as it protects the intestinal mucosa, and fiber rich in mucilagelike that of algae.

Among the cereals, oatsespecially in the form of boiled flakes or porridge, is highly indicated for the mucilage it produces and its excellent
nutritive capacity.

I advise drink plenty of fluids –one or two liters a day– apart from meals. Better if it is Chamomile infusion (two tablespoons per liter of water), since it reduces inflammation of the digestive mucosa.

The different enzymes can help us to improve digestion, as well as to control chronic inflammation or excess tension in the stomach and intestinal walls.

Foods rich in enzymes are papaya and pineapple. To improve digestion you can also take a supplement rich in fermentsas well as incorporating them more frequently into the diet.

as important as this is chew food well so that the enzymes that we have in our saliva, stomach,
pancreas, intestine…

Finally, a good measure is a moderate walk after eating, to facilitate intestinal transit.